Cardi B And Raymonte Debate Colorism By Comparing “Ghetto” Personalities And Success
What started out as a clap back to ESSENCE magazine and critics, turned into social media sensation, Raymonte, having a full-on back-and-forth with Cardi B on X (formerly Twitter).
The two exchanged multiple X posts comparing their upbringings and also levels of success on Wednesday night (April 3).
The Minnesota-native first used Cardi as an example of someone who is “ghetto,” and yet, it “doesn’t hinder her career,” compared to himself, who has yet to secure major brand deals because people label him “Ghetto “ and not “marketable.”
In response to her name being dropped, the Bronx star sent Ray a piece of her mind on X, which included her saying, “It’s crazy because when I became famous people said I’m ghetto, talked sh*t about my accent, call me dumb because the way I speak, say I got no couth, talk about my teeth , my braids, my two buns… and to this day no matter what I accomplished I still get called a stripper all because I’m from the ghetto.”
She continued, “People misinterpret me because apparently I’m LOUD AND GHETTO TILL THIS DAY call me a hood rat and all… When I sat down with Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden they called me a ghetto stripper. Why is it that y’all gotta use me to make y’all comparisons cause y’all only see the glory but not when I get drag 24/7? LEAVE ME TF ALONE AND OUT OF YALL BULLSH*T!”
“I’m saying that if someone that was my color or darker acts the same way, we will never receive the same awards or love,” responded Raymonte before naming Sukihana, Sexyy Red and The City Girls as examples. “You’ve HAD MAJOR CAMPAIGNS that ghetto black women and men like me will never get.”
He then let her know that he wasn’t trying to offend her.
After a few more exchanges — where he unknowingly thought Cardi was “Mexican” — she ultimately gave him advice as a Black influencer whose popularity continues to grow.
“Here’s my advice to you Raymonte… IT TAKES TIME!!!,” she wrote. “Right now I get brand deals for over $5 million for a campaign… I got social media famous in 2014…my first brand deal from Fashion Nova was in 2016 and $200 a post. You could reach any height no matter how ghetto or where you come from. Just remember the key is to be patient and be humble. Blessings.”
He replied, “Thank you wish we could’ve started off like this appreciate it.”
The entire issue of being “too ghetto” and not “marketable,” began when Essence wrote an article titled: “Raymonte’s Birthday trip: Why Influencer Diversity Is Important.” In the article, it discussed a broader conversation about brands failing to invest in popular Black influencers and their big moments, and pretty much being blind to the impact that Black creators have on many markets.
“Omg Essence thank you for the article but this is kind of hypocritical,” he wrote to the pub on X. “You all have invited numerous other influencers to events never me the same with BET. I have a large following and my supporters keep me a float so I don’t cry over spilt milk, I don’t need a pity party or deep dive into why im not “marketable” don’t use me as the example when you contribute to the problem.”
He followed up with, “You didn’t show case or highlight any of my content or [positive] moments so what’s being introduced? …….. talking about everything I’m not getting while also offering me nothing but well wishes and good luck? girl f**k yall”
After going back and forth with Essence on X, Raymonte then explained what had taken place with the publication and with Cardi B.
“Essence wrote an article and asked why was my viral birthday trip not sponsored by any brands and yall said it was because I’m ‘Ghetto’ and not ‘marketable’ so I’m giving an example of another person who is ‘ghetto’ that has reached a high level of success. It didn’t hinder her so why should it hinder me? That’s all Didn’t mean to offend her or get her dragged.”
He added, “I used her as an example because her ‘ghetto ratchetness’ is what helped propelled her career. It was called being “Relatable” This is not no Stan Twitter sh*t this is real life politics within the black community and entertainment industry. I’m confused on why I’m getting so much hate.”
Take a look at the entire spill on Raymonte’s X account above and more here.
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